Be a voice of comfort for your children

Children sense anxiety in adults. And, like adults, children experience the helplessness disaster-related stress can bring. Unlike adults, however, children have little experience to help them put things in perspective.

Prepare children for hurricane season by having a hurricane drill, just as you would for a fire.

The more you tell them about what to expect, the safer they'll feel and be. PREPARATION TIPS

-- Reassure children you have a hurricane plan and tell them what it is.

-- Let children know that this plan is just like other plans - such as preparing for the first day of school.

-- For preschool children, repeat your plans again and again.

-- Remember that young children can be literal. Use language they'll understand.

-- Let your children tell you about their fears or concerns. Children love to teach their parents.

-- Put your own worries in context. For example, let children know if possible damage from a hurricane scares you - you don't want to lose your house - but it's more important to keep your family safe.

PRESCHOOL

-- Discuss the disaster with them and find out each child's particular fears and concerns.

-- Reassure children they're safe.

-- Structure play so it remains constructive, serving as an outlet for them to express fear or anger.

-- Don't say disasters will never affect your family again; children will know this isn't true. Instead, say, "You're safe now and I'll always try to protect you," or "Adults are working very hard to make things safe."

-- Allow children to express themselves through play or art.

ADOLESCENTS

-- Carefully supervise children with existing emotional problems such as depression and provide them additional support.

-- Monitor their media exposure to the event, including information from the Internet.

-- Encourage friends and families to get together and discuss the event to allay fears.

Sources: FEMA; American Red Cross; Mental Health America

HELPING KIDS COPE WITH A STORM Planning for the storm -- Let them help you assemble an emergency kit, pack your important items or shop for hurricane provisions. -- Have them pack their favorite clothes and toys in plastic bags to protect from water damage. -- Have them make a list of the important items they want to pack for safekeeping. Understanding the storm -- The Federal Emergency Managment Association has a website full of information to help children learn what a hurricane is and how to prepare for one at www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm. -- FEMA and the American Red Cross have a pamphlet, "Helping Children Cope with Disaster," available at www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf. If you have to evacuate -- Tell your child that your family can create a new routine if you can't go home for a while. You will settle down into a new place and you will meet new friends. Coping after the storm -- Continue to talk to your child after the storm has passed. Let them voice their feelings or draw pictures of what scares them. Source: FEMA